~Episode 15: Crossing the Line!
Tsuki no iro wa Chainon…
-Moon Color Chainon by Momoiro Clover Z & Five Sailor Guardians
Watanuki stood outside in the midst of a grayscale backyard of the shop as the weather was rainy and dreary. His eyes fixed on the clouds, Mokona sat in silence to wait for what would happen next.
Finally, a massive raindrop appeared as the shadowed figure emerged from it upon impact from the ground. This person was of an average build but lean with shoulder-length hair. Upon opening its eyes, the stranger stared at the shop owner.
"So…you've arrived," Watanuki said.
The stranger did not reply.
"I know you can speak," witch boy answered, "Clearly your escape from Hyperion has proven that you paid the price…so tell me…are you ready for what will happen next?"
"I need to rejoin my missing soul," the stranger spoke.
"As I have expected…" he answered, "The wheels of fate between Chaos and Cosmos will finally begin. Thus, begins the final test for the Swimming Guardians…with your arrival. Very well, I shall grant you, your wish."
A magical circle swirled beneath the stranger's feet as a gust of wind softly spun around.
"Sending you to rejoin your soul is in the acceptable limits of my interference. Granting this wish is all I can do. After this, I cannot help," Watanuki continued.
"I must get it back…at any costs," the stranger replied.
"I understand. Go now," he finally sends the magic to the shadowed figure to the unknown.
The wind stops but the rain still goes on.
"Is the end really upon us?" Mokona asked, "Is Chaos and Cosmos…going to reunite and undo all that exists?"
Watanuki kept silent on that question, but he muttered the lines, "I do hope they make the right decision. It's like that time when I granted her wish…the one who guards the dreams…and the crystal of her realm."
He walks back into the sofa area as Maru and Moro were reading the messages in the bowl of water. They look at him with a hint of terror in their eyes.
"Will they make the right decision?" Maru asked.
"The right decision!" Moro echoed.
He rests his hands on both of the girls, "I do not have an answer for them. They have been on their own so much…I think they'll do whatever it takes to complete their story."
Castle of Nothingness
Ataxia's body has collapsed, transformed into a blob of darkness in its undiluted form of Chaos as it swirled around the empty chamber. Since the prisoner has escaped from this realm, it was all a matter of time before the truth about the twins will come to light.
"Darkness…Light…call for each other," Chaos spoke, "Cosmos…you've been away in a time that I cannot explain. The unification of the Planck Theory must return in such origin state; it cannot be a reality...only singularity."
Chaos then departed the castle and into the voided that once held planet Hyperion. With no stars or form of light, the only path was to follow which realm in where the twin was at based on its radioactive remnants.
Planet Terabithia
Desert Ridge, Arizona
A massive raindrop of magic descended down to the desert as the Magic Six, Anastasia, Sergi, and Kyle piled up on each other upon impact.
"OOF!" Sergi grunted.
"Couldn't the landing be a little smoother?!" Nagisa moaned out.
"Get off, get off!" Rei cried out as he realized the blond was sitting on top of him especially.
Once they all got back on their feet and brushed off the dust from their clothes, Alex recognized the landscape they were at.
"So not beautiful…" the megane muttered.
"At least Artemis had the right address..." Alex saw the house from an 1/8 of a mile away.
"So we really are home," Anastasia felt surreal about this.
"Um...where did he go?" Nagisa asked.
"You mean...Artemis? Um...?" Sergi shrugged.
"Where's he disappearing to this time?" Kyle questioned.
Anastasia walked around the landscape in hopes to see more of what happened when her eye turned towards Artemis on the ground. She made her way over, "Over there you guys!"
She goes up to him but recoils a bit, nearly makes a small scream.
"A-Ana?!" Alex gasped.
The others arrived over to see Artemis's body covered in a brief flash of darkness and magic before waking up violently and coughing for a moment.
"What happened?!" Sergi asked.
Artemis rubs the back of his neck, "Must have bumped my head."
"You're sure you're okay? Anything we can do?" Kyle offered.
"I just need to return to Polaris...make sure he's alright," Artemis answered back.
"Before you go...can we ask you a question?" Alex looks at this person.
"Y-Yes?" Artemis tilts the head in confusion.
Alex nods to the STYLE FIVE as they too, agreed on questioning this entity.
"Who are you exactly? You are a Swimming Guardian, but the one who is destined to weld the most power object of...all the realms," Haruka said.
"A powerful force even beyond our Ultra forms..." Makoto narrated.
"We understand if you have to keep your existence a secret but...we don't understand the importance of your role," Rin added.
"You've shown up seemingly out of nowhere to give us a boost. You're strong, yet you stay away from the majority of the conflicts we've faced," Nagisa agreed.
"Whatever the reason, there's no doubt there's something special about you. And why you seem to be in possession of such a powerful artifact?" Rei asked.
Artemis looks at Rei, "You of all of them know the answer...somewhat. The price you made, the choices you've followed."
Rei lowered his head as Artemis continued, "I am the reason of why all of existence...exists. Wherever light goes, so does darkness...good...evil...cosmos...chaos...ying...yang. No matter how many realms...both real...story...elemental. All imaginations...all possibilities...are me."
"Since the Chaomos Crystal is in your possession, that can only mean one thing," Rei muttered.
"Rei-chan?" Nagisa looked at him.
"Yes, your destiny as the next Cosmos of order. The original Cosmos seemingly perished but actually fled from its original host," Sergi replied, "And that has been passed down by those of that family line...but they also carry a curse. Someone of a pure heart at that magnitude has two capabilities...one for the greater good."
Artemis kept silent and Makoto added, "Why am I afraid to ask what the other is...?"
"The capacity for great darkness, isn't it?" Rin asked.
"When Chaos and Cosmos were one...nothing existed but just that. As soon as they were separated...the first universe was born," Artemis revealed, "Life could then exist...Life, Science, Math, Elements, space...everything. Both the physical, metaphysical."
"Uhhh, have we just met God?" Nagisa looked confused.
"After everything we've been through, does this shock you?" Rei turns to the blond.
Artemis makes a smirk and replies, "That's where you are wrong. A god…is nothing more than a subordinate. Whether it's a monotheism or polytheism, they're all the same…just simple entities with limited powers. The same is said for your Mizu Gods."
Huh, a subordinate, Kyle thought, so much for religion and beliefs.
"W-wait…our Mizu Gods," Makoto said, "Are you saying you're more powerful than them?!"
"Anyway, that's enough said for a moment like this," Artemis ignores that question as he readied his pair of wings again, "I must head back to Taiao…he waits for me…the bridge."
"Be safe. Until we meet again," Rei bids a farewell.
"Did we offend him?" Makoto asked after Artemis vanished away.
"I don't think so..." Haruka narrowed his eyes.
"But...is it possible for something stronger than a god to exist?" Rin asked.
"He'll let us know more in time. I'm sure of it," Rei shrugged.
"Well, I'm gonna call up my girls," Anastasia goes to her cell phone but realizes it's only meant for Duniya, "GAH! Where's my other phone!?"
She digs through her pockets as Kyle answered, "Don't worry! I'm sure it's not gone completely…right?"
"Let's just go in," Alex said, "Judging by how hot it is now, it's likely we are in July or something."
After bringing the group to the house, Anastasia steps in as she couldn't believe to be finally home. She ran upstairs to her room. Sergi went over to the open kitchen and dining area with the book as recent events were drawn out in the pages.
"I hope the girls took care of the milk and other perishable items," Kyle muttered as he checked the fridge.
"This house is huge!" Nagisa's eyes widened.
"Countertops are made of marble," Rin recalled this at their old home.
"Well, at least this wasn't as dusty...how much time did it really past here?" Alex asked Sergi.
"About 17 months or so?" the younger brother shrugged.
"Is he serious?!" Alex turns to his husband in disbelief.
"Like a heart attack. You guys have been away for so long," Kyle crossed his arms.
"It was only a year on Duniya though," Alex muttered as the others kept silent.
"Relax. Nothing bad happened in the time span you were gone. As far as I know," Kyle shrugged.
"I'm sure my folks will be thrilled to see me back finally," he said.
"It'll be a wonderful family reunion," Makoto nodded.
The penultimate word echoed in his mind. Alex turned to the five and asked, "Didn't you guys have your own place too?"
"Um...about that," Haruka paused.
"That poor house..." Nagisa rolled his eyes.
"I mean it was a big home too for us yeah..." Rin recalled.
"It was destroyed by some Chiropterans," Haruka said.
"It wasn't a beautiful sight," Rei sighed.
"That's an understatement...If memory serves, I was the only one taking care of the place..." Nagisa side-eyed on them, "Everyone else was doing fancy work stuff!"
"Oh, drop it," Rei answered sharply.
"And where was this house again?" Kyle asked.
"Peoria. Trust me. I'm the only one who'll remember that," Nagisa took pride in that response.
"Upper Peoria," Makoto looks at Nagisa correctly, "It was at least not in the trash."
"Geeze, at prices like those. That's like the same cost as this place," Alex commented on this.
"Thank god for sponsors, huh?" Kyle agreed.
"'Sponsors'? I thought you weren't swimming anymore," Rei answered.
"You can get sponsored for other things," Kyle said.
"From all I remember, we received a strange check in the mail one day while we were swimming all those years ago..." Alex narrated something from the past, "Turns out it was legit after some...'phone calls'."
"Rei, your stalker is showing," Nagisa teased the megane.
"Oh, shut up and listen!" Rei snapped, not taking any of Nagisa's jokes.
"I thought at first, we may have won the lottery or something. But, on the letter there was a strange...wax mark on it," Alex continued.
"Strange how?" Haruka asked.
"It had the shape of a flower on it...like a cherry blossom," Alex said.
"What's the significance there? I don't see it," Nagisa replied.
"Wait...that's like how we first got the house initially on a down payment," Makoto recalled.
"At least we had a down payment to that place before we scrambled to find jobs," Rin added.
With a shrug, Alex called Sergi over as the latter said, "I was on the phone with mom. She's on the way now."
"There's something we need to find in the book," Alex replied, "And…I'm glad to see mom and dad soon."
Sergi plops the book down on the marble table in the kitchen for them to see. The book reveals pages in which two mysterious envelopes created by the Guardian's Quail with money sent to them. The Magic Six gasped upon seeing this.
"Should've known..." Rei sighed.
"Even in another world, Ama-chan was always watching out for us," Nagisa smiled.
"Well, that does solve a few mysteries from before," Alex replied before looking at the time, "I don't know what we'll do before mom and dad get here…are we ought to cook? Go out?"
"Nonsense. This is a special occasion for you all!" Rei gasped.
"You guys hang tight. We'll handle all the arrangements! Cooking, cleaning! You name it! It's our turn to help out!" Nagisa grinned.
"Uhhh, that's not really…" Kyle started to have a nervous sweat drop.
Anastasia comes back downstairs, adding an idea, "How about the Island's Restaurant at Desert Ridge?"
"Didn't you work there, Haru?" Rei asked.
"No, it was at Roy's Restaurant," Haru shrugged.
"Y-you were in the neck of our woods?!" Alex's jaw dropped.
"We should go there for old times' sake! Maybe they'll be lenient if you show up?" Nagisa replied.
"You do realize it's been quite some time since Haru worked there, right? Staff could have changed in that time," Rei shrugged.
"Not to mention the time displacement we've been in again and again," Makoto added.
"That's right..." Rin said before turning to the two kings, "We were not meant to cross paths with you because of how fragile the time was between the past and the future."
"I don't want to trouble any of you guys further. You've been in much pain because of me," Alex replied.
"P-Papa?" Anastasia looked at him.
He walked over to the living room area as everyone followed him there. He sat down and looked at the five before him, "The witches have done a number on us...even now, I feel my old age despite retaining my youth."
"A-Alex-chan?" Nagisa looked worried.
"What about Japan? Isn't that your home?" Alex asked.
"I-Iwatobi..." Rin muttered.
"We haven't been able to go there to see it," Rei said.
"Back at the Circus, I had a vision of my siblings. They said they are here, in this world. Families of ours are here," Makoto recalled.
After a moment of silence, Alex looks at them, "You five need to get back there and reconnect to your families."
"Papa, what are you saying?" Anastasia asked.
"Iwatobi...was their hometown. However..." Alex sighed before replying in a guilt-tone, "I was the one who came into their lives. Everything that happened after...it's only fair that I help them return to their families."
"You're not trying to push us away again, are you?" Rin asked.
"You may be my guardians but...you have your own lives as well," he said with a sad smile, "I took away the time from your families…because of everything in my life."
Nagisa's face began to moisten as he hugs him, "Thank you...but you know...I don't blame you for coming into our lives. If nothing else, you helped us better ourselves. No matter what, we always found a way to keep going.
The blond turns to the others, "We always found our way back, right?"
"I know Gou is still on Duniya, but she said she'll return on a separate day," Rin added.
"If nothing else, this gives us an opportunity to see it for ourselves. To give the others some kind of hope for what to expect," Rei replied.
I thought you'd be happier to go back with us. or go back in general, Nagisa thought after hearing Rei's stoic-like reaction.
"Hmm? Nagisa?" Rei asked.
"Rei...are you...?" the blond looks at him.
"Am I what?" the megane replied.
"You do want to check it out with us, right?" Nagisa asked.
"What kind of question is that?" Rei shrugged.
Silence dawned between them as Makoto, Rin, and Haru looked at the megane with some concern in their facial expressions. Alex picked up in the radar but couldn't point out what it was.
"Is there something you haven't told us?" Haruka asked.
Finally, Rei continues, "I'm sure...you're all...familiar with the price I paid. Well, that myself and the other Rei paid...right?"
"Yeah, you told us before. Well, you told me, anyway..." Nagisa grumbled.
"I didn't tell you all of them. As much as I'd like to go back to Iwatobi...I can't," he revealed.
"N-No way?!" Makoto gasped as Rin and Haru's jaws dropped a little.
"You're lying...You waited until NOW to tell us there was ANOTHER price?!" Nagisa shouted in shock.
"What exactly happened when you brought this world to existence?" Makoto asked.
"Spill it out, all of it!" Rin glares at the megane.
With a sadden look on his face, Rei continues, "In exchange for this world, there were several prices to pay. For myself, I forfeit all romantic emotional attachment to Alex. For my other self, he cannot return to society unless it's a family visit with the other Alex.
"However, there was an ultimate price the two of us paid. We could go to Japan if we wish, but we cannot return to Iwatobi, or the Tottori province."
"T-this has to be a joke!" Nagisa wanted to cry, "W-why can't you go back?!"
"It's because our reappearance there may reignite the unwanted memories of the bleaker times," Rei revealed, "And as a result…"
"People will start to remember the past..." Haruka gasped softly.
"And it will cause a global protest," Alex realized, "Not to mention how bad social media is here in this world. It could lead to another backlash, cancel reaction, or worse…a global persecution!"
"Damn...I had no idea things were this bad for you," Kyle was stunned despite knowing the past Earth and the betrayal and all, "I can't imagine how the world will react if they do remember the horror. Wait…could this mean that…?"
"They might as well go after us too," Rin said, recalling the past after the liberation of the old world, "If anyone in this world finds out what happened…we might as all be exiled to ostracism."
"Look, if the four of you go back that's fine," Rei replied.
"Can we send you some pictures?" Makoto asked.
"Oh, we can record video too!" Nagisa added.
"I don't see why not," Rei smiled.
"Are you okay then staying with us Rei, or would you rather go to Articora?" Alex asked.
"I think it's best I go to Articora. I'll feel safer there," Rei took out his talisman.
"Once we get enough glimpse of the town, we'll reach to you," Haruka said.
With that, the Magic Six shared a hug as Alex cautioned them on their journey.
"And you better have cellular reception up there!" Nagisa looks at the megane.
With a soft goodbye, Rei rings the bell to head up north while the others use their Senshi Crystals to reach back to Iwatobi.
At the same moment, a knock on the door was heard as finally, the Marotta family reunited joyfully as the mother hugged her oldest son, finally in her hands.
"Welcome home, Sandro," the father greeted him and added, "And you too, Kyle."
"Ma, I'm losing air!" Alex coughed, "Are we going out tonight?!"
"Yeah, let's head to Arrivederci," the father said.
The mother looks at him and adds, "I'm happy you are home pootsie. Took you long enough."
"I'm sorry for making you all worry," he replied, "Perhaps we can catch up with some storytelling."
The family smiled as Anastasia received replies from her half-sisters, all of them excite to see her again in a couple of days.
"We'll do something nice for all of us once the girls get back," the mom added.
Planet Duniya
Amakata Era
A lot has changed in due time since the downfall of the Shindo Clan and the defeat of the Infinite Circus. While several numbers of people were killed from the Elder Bairns, the survivors have crafted a memorial area of the site to remember the lost ones. The name change of Aeuropa City to Neo Sportsbrooke brought a fresh air meaning to the citizens. Any locations that had "Aeuropa" in them were replaced with other names (i.e. Aeuropa Capital Academy is now called Central Capital Academy).
With the stories finally told and the truth brought to light, Miho ensured to have all access of education to all ages about this world and its first 1000+ years. The alliances of Lha'li, Chirottori, Iwamara, Frostella, and Neo Tabuk have secured a new era of peace on the planet.
The Mizu gods finally took residence of their own in a secured lake to the south of Neo Sportsbrooke, making it a meeting point for their Swimming Guardians in case of needed contact.
Meanwhile, Scientists and researchers were sent to the southern reaches of the planet to learn of the natures created by the goddesses Eve and Eden (after Langa rediscovered the origins of this planet from a book that Ainosuke left behind). Eden was the flora of the world with Eve being the fauna.
In order to bring more awareness of the sports, the cities across the globe agreed to set up the Olympius Duniya project that would be equivalent to Earth's Olympics.
S 2.0 Park, Neo Sportsbrooke
The newly built park of S, known as S 2.0 was finally opened to the public despite a few anticipated skaters that wanted to test it earlier on, but permission was approved to ensure the safety of the place. It was major progress indeed for this sports community.
With Langa being a major celebrity as "Prince", it was a bit hard to get by with the audience, but he made his own little speech to the crowd, thanking them for the times he spent at the original S site. The confidence he finally grew after some time he spent in this crowd.
"He's really quite grown," Joe smiled.
"Kinda reminds me of that one princess movie!" Miya chuckled.
"Heh, I know what you mean. That was a good one!" Shadow agreed.
"Figures you'd watch stuff like that," Cherry Blossom remarked.
"HEY!" Shadow glared at him.
"Sap," the pink-haired man winked.
"…And lastly, thank you to all who have kept this sport alive as well as making it qualified as a recognized sport for the upcoming Olympius Duniya!" Langa concludes the speech as everyone in the audience roared with applause.
"I'm so glad I ran into him," Reki's face was in sheer love.
With a simple click, Langa changes direction to showing footages of the old S, the original leaders, as well as the construction and the opening day of the new S Park.
"Wow, you never told me it'd get that intense," Koyomi was a bit stunned on the footage.
"You never asked," Reki shrugged.
"Yeah, right," she smirked.
Moments later, her phone pinged a text, she opened it and gasped with a blush, "T-Taka-chan!? I knew it!"
"HA! SO, IT'S TRUE!" Miya gasped.
"Yeah...? And? You mean you didn't know?" Koyomi looks at him.
"Huh? Say what now?" Reki tilts his head.
"Oh dear...another young romance blooming?" Joe asked.
"I'm too old for this drama..." Cherry Blossom sighed.
"Didn't Taka-chan tell you about us?" Koyomi looks at Miya.
"Just a hunch…" he winks, "I think he was keeping it under wraps."
Langa finally joins them, "Hey you guys!"
"You were so great up there! I couldn't be any prouder!" Reki hugs him as they both chuckled happily.
Joe notices Cherry looking at the Zone Crystal manifesting in his hand. It was a sheer-pink/magenta ombre in a smooth sphere. Moments later, it shifted into a compound of five tetrahedra in a spiked configuration.
"Something on your mind?" Cherry asked.
Joe gently summons his own Zone Crystal as it appeared as a smooth sphere likewise before shifting into a compound of five octahedra object in a green-purple-orange ombre hues, "It's just...surreal. That he would give us this power...even after all what has happened."
"Part of him may have been the biggest bastard we ever knew, but at least we know the truth," Cherry said before dismissing his magic, "If only things could have turned out differently..."
"I agree. He didn't choose that life like that. It was coerced in a nightmare beyond our understanding. But even still... He has a second chance now," Joe looks up after dismissing his crystal, "I'm sure this time around, he'll be in better hands."
"With better people that will show him genuine love. Not whatever the hell those monsters put him through," Cherry noted.
"I'm sure we'll see him again...sooner than we expect," Joe sensed.
"Now who's the sappy one?" Shadow looks at the two.
"Don't you have an OnlyFans private chat to attend to?" Cherry asked.
Shadow's face turns red, nearly melting the make-up "HEY! WHAT THE HELL?!"
"Aw, look at the little Neanderthal. He's blushing," Cherry smirked.
"Aren't those supposed to be directed toward Joe?!" he growled.
"Yes, but he hasn't pissed me off yet," Cherry said.
"That's your excuse?!" Shadow shouted.
"There they go again," Langa sighed.
"Some things haven't changed," Miya rolled his eyes.
"Jeez, old people sure are cranky, no matter what time of day it is," Reki muttered.
"I'M NOT OLD!" Shadow cried out.
"Is this what I'm going to have to put up. Jeez, why don't you all get a room and…" Koyomi begins.
"Don't finish that sentence!" Reki gasps but Koyomi chuckles slyly.
"Maybe it's time to cool things down a bit," Langa closes his eyes and focuses on his magic, to create some light breeze of snow as the people of S 2.0 gasped to see the coolness of the weather approaching yet they are still warm and unaffected by the change in temperature.
"Huh. Well how about that?" Cherry looked up.
"Unreal..." Shadow calmed down in awe.
Langa turns to Reki and says, "I don't think if I first met you, we wouldn't be here. You brought me to this world. Even when…"
Langa's mind shifted when he and Reki were skating one day in the downtown areas before being ambushed by several suited men in skateboards like the Pantu but they were no doubt guards of some kind. From there, the endless torture and magic was coerced in them to become the Quartet members of the Infinite Circus.
"Let's...not think about that. Those days are done and over with," Reki rested his hand on Langa's shoulder, "It's just us here in the now."
"But at least...I remember the past finally. My origin...this world's origin...all of it," Langa said.
"And with that unearthed, we can finally steer toward a future we were always meant to have. No more corrupt politics. No more walls. Only a free and open world for all of us…" Reki grins.
With that, the two finally kiss again.
In the days that followed, several of the volleyball players have arrived in Neo Sportsbrooke, much to the nostalgia of the name chosen for this town. The group consisted of the Miya Twins, Shouyou, Tobio, Ushijima, Kourai, Bokuto, Sakusa, the Tsukishima brothers, Oikawa, Iwaizumi, Aran and Shinsuke. The latter two have contacted Yuudai and Gao to prepare a new base for the volleyball teams.
As they ventured through the new town, it was a mix of crystal architecture with regular designs of brick, vinyl but with a big twist on more eco friendly resources like the Eco-Park to a maximum level.
"It's like…home…" Atsumu wanted to cry.
"A new town with the face of an old one, huh?" Akiter agreed.
"I can't believe it..." Shouyou smiled.
"It's a new beginning. This time, we will get it right," Tobio grinned softly.
"I'm ready to show off our love for this sport!" Kourai jumps into the air.
Iwaizumi leads Oikawa in, both hand-in-hand while the former was still a bit silent and nervous about this.
"You don't have to worry about a thing. Like Tobio said, we're starting over anew. We can make things better than before," Iwaizumi promised him.
Finally, Oikawa makes a soft tearful response, "I know it's just…I can't believe it's here."
"I never seen you tear up," Atsumu noted.
"Well that was the old me," Oikawa said.
"Yeah. The cranky bastard no one liked," Osamu remarked.
"Hey, that's not…nice!" Oikawa frowned.
"Just ignore that," Iwaizumi said.
Atsumu holds his twin back, redirecting the conversation, "Just picture how much dough you'll be making now!"
"A new start, huh? You damn right. Better than what those smarmy Aeuropa elitists ever pumped out!" Osamu agreed.
"You sure you're not the one possessed by a demon? A greedy one?" Oikawa asks.
"If I am, I know you'll all save me," Osamu winked.
"DAMMIT! No possessions and no demons!" Shouyou starts doing a chant and hand signs mirroring that of a shrine priest.
"Still an idiot..." Tobio sighed.
"Hey, can we quit the drama. We just got here and already you're wanting to kill each other. If anyone's doing anything, save it for the court," Ushijima rolled his eyes before Sakusa steps by his side to cuddle around his arm.
From there, they ventured forth to the new Olympus Volley Park which was still in progress, but they all met up with Gao and Yuudai before making further plans on their project.
Iwamara Swim World
Speaking of unfinished business, Gou and Momo finally sit down to talk things out after the tension from before. After his adventures in Aeuropa City and the change of heart he finally realized to, he couldn't afford to wait another day to tell her everything.
Gou listens to him carefully with a sincere look on her face, noting on Momo's pain from the old world and the fact of the separation of the siblings.
At the right moment, she answers, "Momo, you have always been loved by so many people. However, you had every right to be upset, disappointed, whatever it was...you felt. I am at fault for not telling you the truth of the plans that were laid in the dark."
"You did what was necessary for us to survive. We might not have known it then, but you did," he replied.
"And I will always see you as a friend...even if you did...had more feelings from before," she stated.
He blushed upon this as the red-haired continued, "But, I know you are better off with him. So please, don't pity for me. You have a whole road ahead still, with happier memories and bonds to make."
She gets up from her seat, but Momo pauses her again, "You know, the first time I met you...even if it were darker times...I truly thought you were the cutest girl I'd ever seen. Those feelings haven't changed. You truly are a wonderful and beautiful person, Gou.
He adds a smile, "Thank you."
"No, thank you," she replied back with an emphasize of her appreciation.
Momo's phone flash for a text message as Gou winks, "Don't be late for your date."
"Glad Capybara's finally getting the hang of texting," Momo muttered before looking at Gou, "I'm truly grateful to have you as my friend, Gou-san. Don't forget to cheer us on later, okay?"
"And I look forward to the day we share swimming with the rest of the world," she agreed.
Iwamara Beach Area
Tsubasa sits down on a beach towel with Seijuurou as they both kept to the shade beneath the umbrella. Toto sat down happily with a soft bark or two before resting down.
"Been a while since we sat here like this?" Tsubasa huddled in Sei's arms.
"A little too long," he kisses him on the forehead.
"I didn't realize our mission has changed for our team," the blue-haired man added, "That vision we had back here before we took off."
"How many oaths is this now? I mean, there was Shimogami, Takagami, and now for Kyle. What's one or two more? Hahahaha!" Sei remarked.
Tsubasa leans his head on Sei's shoulder, "I cannot wait to swim with you again...now that the world is finally open."
"We gotta show them what we're made of! I know we can do it," the red-haired grinned.
"Both as rivals...and teammates, and...lovers," he blushed.
"This was a long road, but I'm glad it's led us here," Sei nodded.
Tsubasa turns his head to see a picnic taking place with Kenma, Kuroo, Zulion, Tekela, Shin and Ryouta. He remarked, "Looks like they're having some of their own fun too. Shin has really grown open to Ryouta quite nicely."
Shin feeds Ryouta with a spoonful of yogurt, "Try this flavor, it's made of fresh berries!"
After tasting it and gulping it down, he grinned and answered, "Awwww, how extraordinary!"
Tekela chuckles, "We planted some of the berries from Atlantis here..."
"Gotta keep some of the plants back home…since that world is more or less gone now," Zulion shrugged.
"That's what that was?! Why didn't you guys tell me?!" Shin gasped.
"Well, it'd be a nice surprise, that's for sure," Ryouta chuckled.
"Hm. How about that? And here I thought it was the bland bitterness of Aeuropa finally being purified. Then again, it's not like I had any of that," Kenma rolled his eyes.
"Huh? Then that line of comments..." Ryouta tilts his head.
"Don't ask..." Kuroo sighed.
"I guess our child does know where he gets that from," Tekela remarks.
"What are you implying?" Zulion makes a slight glare.
"Gee, I wonder," Kenma added the sarcasm.
Back at the Town Square, the Terashima parents and Kaede stood by the fountain as Isana and Hikaru were setting up a photo session for them. However, someone wasn't always carrying a smile on his face.
"Seriously?!" Kaede grumbled.
"Just at least have one family photo with us," Kotarou sighed.
"I know you don't like to smile but just this once?" Misae asked.
"Yeah, a little smile won't kill you," Isana replied.
"Don't chime in. You'll make it worse," Hikaru looks at him.
"Well, what am I supposed to do? He's being difficult!" Isana grumbled.
"And what are you doing?" Hikaru glares at him.
"Whoa. Slow down. I'm not being anything right now. I'm just trying to help," he blushed.
"Then you can help by not chiming in with them and focus on the task at hand," Hikaru sighed.
Hearing them bicker like this, Kaede tries hard to not smirk. He never thought sarcasm would fit his things to laugh about. The two were about to set the next photo when an orange tabby cat appeared on scene. Kaede's heart raised up as he never thought to see such a cute creature.
He makes an unexpected widen smile.
"HURRY!" Kotarou gasped upon seeing the joy.
"TAKE IT NOW!" Misae screamed.
They all smiled together as Hikaru finally times them in frame just perfectly before Kaede gets to the cat and picks it up, "OHMYGOD SO CUTEEEEEE!"
"Well at least we know what does the trick," Misae looks at her husband.
"Get lots and lots of cat stuff," Hikaru noted.
"Heh, I'll ask the skater boy next time we see him," Isana replied.
Near Central Neo Sportsbrooke
The trio made their way across town on their skateboards in their 'S' attire as they were no longer in need to be discreet of their identities. Their way brought a few moments of autographs and photos but once they moved on, they arrived at a crossroad of the central city where it was just as festive as S itself.
"This is looking very lit here," Shadow grinned, "Right…Ch-?"
"Where did he go?" Joe realized that the pink-haired man wasn't with them.
They both turned to see Kaoru at a post office where he had some envelope in his hand.
"Huh. So that's why he wanted to come down here. Wonder what it is?" Shadow muttered.
"Not sure. Oh, before I forget, did Oka reveal when he was gonna open the new shop?" Joe asked.
"Uh...well...he's been a little secretive with it around me. I guess I'll know at the same time as everyone else," Shadow shrugged.
Their phones pinged upon a group message, revealing some of the interior remodels of the Dope Sketch shop.
"Wow, these previews look lit!" Joe answered as Cherry returned.
"Hmm? Previews? Of what?" Cherry asked.
"Dope Sketch," Shadow said, "He must have sent a group message to us."
"Has he decided on a date yet?" Kaoru asked, "The shop, I mean."
"Uh, still nothing yet," he shrugged, "But I'm sure at this rate, it'll be done within the next month or so."
"So, where to next?" the pink-haired man turned to Joe.
"Wanna check out the new Global Market alley?" Joe asked.
"I've been meaning to check it out for some time," Kaoru gasped softly, "Who knows. Maybe we can find something for Oka and his premiere?"
"That's a great idea!" Shadow agreed.
Blue Hour Club
Harry set up a surprise celebration on Kazu's new relationship with a couple of other buddies from S. Upon arrival, the men congratulated him as the latter nearly blushed with a hint of joy before wiping the tear off to remain his masculine nature.
His outfit was an open shirt with a cross necklace and a black pair of jeans. The blond hair was pushed back a little in a neater cut but still had the mullet from behind.
"Congrats on your new girlfriend!" Harry raises the wine glass.
"I know! It's amazing! I never knew saving the world was actually going to do the trick, but it did!" Kazu grinned as he clings the glass lightly.
"Didn't you say she's a nurse?" one of the other guys asked.
"Drop dead smoking one! We met while I was in recovery," he explained, "Says she digs a guy with battle scars!"
"No way that's awesome man!" another guy complimented.
Harry receives a text from Oka, "Oh, looks like he's getting his new place started soon!"
"Whaaaaa?!" Kazu dug out his phone, but it took a long hot minute to appear, "Dang…I need to upgrade this phone."
"Damn, this place is gonna be lit when it's done!" Harry replied.
"I see that. Guess good ol'Oka will be hosting some good shit," he agreed.
Frostella
With the defeat of the Shindo Sisters/Three Fates, the people down in Crystal Creek regained their memories of Frostella and began their return to the lost kingdom. Since the departure of the Magic Six and the new era governed by Amakata, the people have been transitioning to a peaceful time once more.
Langa arrives in the kingdom with Miya and Reki as they jumped off a magical snowflake.
"Are they having a ceremony or something?" Miya asked.
"Just a little token of appreciation..." Langa replied.
"So, what's all on the agenda then? Do you have a clue?" Reki looks at him.
They make their way over to the Shrine area as several inhabitants and the royal servants waited upon the arrival. Langa leads Miya and Reki over to a massive covering of fabric with three sets of ropes to pull on.
"On three, we pull it down," Langa instructed them.
The trio pull down the ropes as they now see a massive 'mirage' map design of Rodina Magna blended with an art/abstract of Eve, Eden, the Swimming Guardians, and the Vorpal Sword together with an outline lineart of the royal family. Everyone applauded loudly in celebration and joy.
Reki was all awed and starry eyed upon this as Miya was happy to see a token of the entire planet's history here. Langa leads them to the other side that shows carvings of the people of S.
"Holy crap! When they'd have time to do this?!" Reki gasped.
"This is…amazing…" Miya breathed.
"Everyone...now together by love," Langa said as everyone, even Ainosuke and Tadashi were added.
After a brief moment, Reki replies, "I think he'd appreciate that. We should show that Snake guy whenever we see him again. But anyway, your family really is something, Langa.
"Truly. I don't know what this world would be like if you all weren't here."
"As lovely as this is, I better hurry back to the city, Taka-chan will have a swim meet soon," Miya replied.
"No problem," Langa performs his magic to create another flying snowflake platform for him to sit on.
"I'll see ya'lovely slimes in town!" Miya hops on before waving.
"You take it easy there, little guy," Reki replies.
Once he took off, Langa turns to Reki, "How's your mother doing?"
"Believe it or not, she's actually been a lot better. I guess the situation in the city encouraged her to open up a daycare center," the red-haired answered, "Figure that way my sisters can interact with other kids, and she can make sure everyone is safe. A bit of a hassle here and there, but she manages."
"I'm glad she's doing better…" Langa smiled.
Oliver and Nanako approached to them, inviting to attend another banquet as they happily accepted.
Iwamara Swim World
-Outdoor Pool-
Natsuya walks outside to the newly built outdoor pool, "Finally a sunny day!"
Nao was busy checking the thermometer and the acidity levels, "Just the right temperature for swimming, too. pH levels are balanced. We should be good to use this whenever.
"If it ever gets too cold, we can always use the heating system, too."
Hiyori, Aoba, and Momotarou were walking outside to join the backstroke session.
"Heh, hope you gents are ready for my backstroke," Hiyori smirked.
"Speak for yourself," Aoba grunted.
"Hehe, get ready to be blown away by the most specular, the most wondrous, the most stupendous, the most wondrous - I said that - MOMOTAROU MIKOSHIBA! LEGENDARY SEA OTTER OF JAPAN!" Momo called out his intro after spinning briefly in his own semi-magic dance.
"Spirited today, aren't we?" Nao looks at Natsuya.
"Maybe this is your debut too," Natsuya winks.
"Oh really now? You sure they'll be able to keep up?" Nao takes off his glasses, "I shouldn't go too far, but... I make no promises."
Back on Terabithia
Arizona
After getting word on their half-sister's return with the family, Laura, Niki, and Maya drove back to Desert Ridge by Saturday afternoon before parking their vehicles in the driveway. Anastasia stood at the doorway as they all screamed in joy.
"ANAAAAA!" the trio screamed as they hugged in tears of happiness.
"WELCOME HOME!" Laura and Maya added.
"¡TE ECHAMOS MUCHO DE MENOS!" Niki threw in her Spanish.
(English: WE MISSED YOU SO MUCH!)
Alex smiles tearfully along with Kyle, Sergi, and the parents. Once the girls calmed down, the trio realized that…
"Wait, Ana…girl…where's your fiancée?" Niki's tone shifted.
"She reclaimed her kingdom...her family...and we'll be set to marriage soon," she revealed.
"OH MY GOD, NO WAY!" Niki replied.
"Congratulations!" Maya and Laura added.
"She's spending time with them as well as readjusting herself to her duties for now. I told her I'll come back once I'm on break from the university," Ana explained.
I hope they are okay, Alex thought, Haru…Makoto…Nagisa…Rin…Rei…please be careful…
Iwami, Japan
The Four make their way to Iwatobi but...it was now named as "Iwami". While there were still many of the same places including the railroad, the stores, the shrine, gazebo, and a few others, some places like the hamburger shop, didn't. To even more of their horror, the swim club facility didn't exist. The Iwatobi school was simply named as Iwami High School along with three elementary schools of Iwami Minami, Nishi, and Kita.
Another part of the town that was the same as the squid fishing boat form as well as the rice and several onsens.
They each used the power of their Senshi crystals to locate their families in different areas of the town. Makoto and Haruka were in the same general direction like their old homes in Iwatobi. Nagisa and Rin took a similar route but had to split in two different directions after.
Haruka felt the ocean breeze, similar, yet different. He and Makoto make it to the stairwell where they saw Ran and Ren playing up and down the stairs before pausing in deep shock. Seconds later…
"ONII-CHANNNNNN!" Ran and Ren screamed as they cried into his arms. Makoto held them with his newfound strength, lifting them to the air briefly before heading back to the house.
Haruka then walked into the entrance but paused, wondering if either of his parents are still here. With a sigh, he pushed on the doorbell before it opened as he saw both his parents standing there. After a long minute of silence, the father approaches to him before, caressing his hair for a moment before they both hugged in subtle tears.
"We'd knew you'd be home…" the mother spoke, "Someday…"
"W-wait…" he looks at them, "Y-you knew…?"
"Yes," the father answered with a defeated sigh, "All of it."
"I'm sorry I couldn't protect either of you," he said, not wanting to cry.
"Haru, sweetie," the mom answered, "Had you not met with them…perhaps we wouldn't be standing here today."
Rin finally gets to the house as he knocks on the door briefly. Moments later, it opens as Miyako stares to see him, also in silence before hugging him with her own tears, "I'd knew you make it back…someday."
"I'm home…mother," Rin cried in his own silent, moisten face.
"Where's…?" Miyako asked.
"Gou will be home soon," he said.
"I see…she's still there, huh?" Miyako wiped her face.
"W-wait…you knew?" Rin gasped softly.
"All of us families know the truth…after…your teammate restored this world. I can't…even…begin to fathom all the pain you had to go through," Miyako continues to tear up a little, "I'm just happy…that you are safe."
Nanako sits down at the gazebo with her sisters Nelene, and Nami as they were bored with sadness. Their parents left town the other day for an anniversary vacation.
"Another day...huh?" Nanako sighed.
"This town feels so depressing, it's almost like as if..." Nelene moaned sadly.
"Would a friendly face brighten your day?" a voice asked.
"T-that voice…" Nami turns her head to see Nagisa as their younger brother finally returned.
"NAIGSAAAA!" the trio screamed in sheer shock of surrealism and happiness.
"Nana-chan! Nele-chan! Nami-chan!" Nagisa approaches them loudly before they all hugged together.
Alchetron, Articora
After making his way to the north, Rei settles down in one of the cottages as he finally gets photos received on his phone. He smiles with a tear, knowing that indeed...he and his other half have rebuilt this world successfully.
He sees the four with their families together once more.
"I'm glad they were able to find them," he muttered silently.
Ayumu walks in and put some fabrics away in a drawer before turning to the megane, "How are you coping?"
"Ayumu...I'm...hanging in there. How about you? Keeping the boys in line?" Rei answered.
"They're doing well. and Aoba?" she added.
"He's still on Duniya. I think he and Momo are getting along just fine these days," the megane chuckled before adding, "How are Ryuji and Mikhail?"
"Yeah um...they're both on an assignment actually," she shrugged.
"Oh? Anything you can indulge?" he lifted up his glasses a little.
"Well...I can't say much but, the Guardian's Quail detected some...new presence on this planet. They apparently wanted both Ryuji and Mikhail to track down whatever it is..." Ayumu explained.
"Is it malevolent or benevolent? Or do you have a clue?" he looks at her.
Ayumu shakes her head, "No clue. But either way, I don't know how much peace time we'll have. You of all people know that..."
"I was afraid of that…" he sighed, "If you could estimate how much time we had left, what would you say?"
"I'm afraid we may be entering that final stage sooner than we anticipated," she said before hearing one of the fellow villagers calling her. With a nod, she leaves Rei by himself as the megane looks at the fireplace.
Back in Arizona, the Marotta Family and the girls headed for another day trip to the Italian markets down in Scottsdale. Papa Marotta went to go talk to a few random peeps as they were looking at some of the CDs marked on the shelves.
"Some things haven't changed," Alex winks at Kyle.
"They never do," Kyle said.
"Well at least he's trying to keep the Italian community alive," Sergi shrugged.
"I wonder how the groups back home in Cleveland are doing…?" Alex muttered before he looks at the deli counter and sees something to his brother's interest.
"Hey, it's your fave!" he pointed to the stuffed peppers with prosciutto and cheese.
"Haven't had them in a long time," Sergi recalled them.
"Honey, we gotta buy the rest of the groceries," Mama Marotta answered.
"Then go do so," the husband silently snapped.
"What's stopping you from having them now?" Kyle asked Sergi, "It can't be all that bad to have once in a while. It'll be fine."
"With a metabolism like that…he's far better off," Alex crossed his arms.
The girls were looking at the sweets like cannoli's, cookies, and other baked goods in shelves.
"Hey Ana, aren't you going to keep on swimming?" Laura asked.
"I'd like to but..." she pauses on her phone, "UFO?"
"Eh? Say what?" Maya turns to her.
"Girl, what's up?" Niki asked.
"Normally I don't follow those stories but...this looks...odd," she clicks to the UFO finding on her phone before reading, "Huh? A hunk piece of metal was collected?"
"Ana, are you alright?" Alex turned to his daughter.
"Sergi, pootsie, let's go grab some bread," Mama redirected her younger son.
"Sure," he follows her.
After sending the news article to her father's phone, Alex opens up but his eyes widened on what the pictures were showing.
"W-what in the name of…" he muttered.
A group of three figures landed in the midst of the desert somewhere not far from Casa Grande. The one companion, a human, opens his cloak and mutters, "This is it…we are here."
"Sir? How do you suspect that this is correct?" one of the shadowed figures asked.
"It's like we were told…the legend from the past…is how our world came about," the human replied.
"To tamper with time like that, we don't know how much stress it will add on," a second shadowed figure spoke behind him.
"I must wager all what it takes…to see him again," the human said, "Him…as well as everyone back home…"
Planet Earth, Beta Timeline…
February 2022
Since working at the private lab in Arizona, Alex could only reflect on all what has happened to this world while wondering what the finale of Free! would be. In October, he gained a new job at a different lab with hospital rotations that he wanted to work with since school.
However, the initial week was chaotic as he was sent to a hospital over 50 miles one way from home and he dreaded it. From there, he was able to stay a month at another hospital in downtown Phoenix but then the manager decided to throw him back in which he would later call that first hospital, 'A Snakepit'. He dreaded for two months since but couldn't afford to lose this job…not with his dreams finally in the making.
In all of that, the world continued to face problems both medical, political, and now global…making him reflect on everything so far since moving here in 2019. He took each step on the mountain he hiked on, getting closer to the top.
First, a pandemic, then endless political protests, and now a world on the verge of…no, I cannot think like that, he thought, but honestly, why are we humans always in a conflict of something no matter how small? Why are we always jealous? Always miserable? Always wanting to crave for such things? Not to mention, there are darker places on this world that people forget…
Finally making to the top of the Dixie Mountain summit, he sits on the pile of rocks to continue reflecting;
Thank the lord I am out of that snake pit. That hospital is way too far away for me to work. Mustard better watch out what she says to me next because by then I might have to put my two weeks in, he laughed to himself.
Taking out his phone, he snapped some pictures of the surrounding area of Norterra, Deem Hills, and other wealthy areas of the valley. From there, he took a drink of his water pouch as the sun rise was incredible to watch from the east.
I must keep going forward, he thought, I cannot return to Cleveland on a permanent basis. It's funny how my classmates back then expect 'men' to be tough and shit and now look at them at a general population perspective, so many getting arrested and slammed by social media all because of that 'toughness'. Heh, did my classmates wanted me to be toxic so they can win their own agendas?
Upon realizing that dark thought, he shook his own head violently, No. I mustn't think like that…some have to have matured but...could I ever forgive them like my other selves in the other worlds of my stories? I want to…but will they be genuine to me?
Iwami Japan, Delta!Earth
After spending a couple of days with their folks, the four members of the Magic Six regrouped at the gazebo area that overlooked the seas.
"I'm glad we had a few days to spend with our folks," Makoto smiled.
"Agreed. Though my mom is still waiting on Gou to return," Rin said.
"And your father?" Haruka asked.
Rin kept silent for a moment as Nagisa's expression grew concerned.
"This life appears to be the same as it was. But for some bizarre reasoning... his tombstone wasn't there," Rin revealed.
"EAHHHHHHHH!?" Nagisa gasped as the others' jaw dropped a little.
"I thought I was at the right location but...even after asking my mom, she...it's almost as if...she doesn't remember him," he lowered his head.
"What?! That can't be. How could she forget him? I mean, you and him were practically identical in a lot of ways. Is she... okay? I mean..." Nagisa answered.
"I texted Rei to see if he could find something," Rin revealed, "Still waiting to hear back."
Moments later his text pings from Rei in the following:
Rei: Something strange must have happened during the migration of souls between the old world to here. I've tried to look into it, but there's been interference.
"Huh?!" Rin gasped a little while he writes back.
Rei: There's been a change within the time-space continuum. My other half and myself have noticed this. Something is coming.
Ryuuji and Mikhail were investigating it, but we haven't heard back.
Strange enough, more symbols have appeared. Similar to Articora, but different. Six in all.
"R-Rin-chan?" Nagisa asked.
"There are some new guests…somewhere in Arizona," Rin muttered before realizing, "Oh my god, K-King...Majesty!"
"Are they in danger again?!" Makoto gasped.
After wrapping up a few more words with the megane, he looks at the trio, "We have to go."
"But we just got here, and we already have to leave? Why?!" Nagisa lowered his head sadly.
"I don't have all the answers right now," Rin said, "Rei says we have to meet up in Arizona. Probably by Fountain Hills until we can get to Alex and Kyle."
Planet Duniya
Chirottori
After some time since settling back in Chirottori, Kiriko would take her son out around the kingdom of the Mullerians as the super creatures were in fascination of a human-like breed among their kind. Of course, with the Chivashi in town, it initially brought some controversy but it was settled by the king.
At the end of the day, Kiriko sets her baby back in the crib of the nursery station as he fell asleep peacefully. She turned to see the queen, Stellaluna, and Tadashi.
"You need to eat," Janella insisted.
"There's a banquet with our fellow Mullerians downstairs!" Stellaluna added.
"You'll need your strength, Lady Kiriko. If you wish, I can stay here with Ainosuke until you return," Tadashi offers.
Kiriko finally concedes to their offer, "Sure."
Once the girls were out of hearing range, Tadashi turns to the baby blue-haired individual.
"We've come so far in life, only now you have to start it again. From all the skating, the politics, everything..." Tadashi narrated, "You have lived a long life, but one not your own. I truly hope this time around, you will be able to make your own decisions, forge your own path, and be able to experience the sincerity of love.
"I honestly cannot believe how long we've been together. I cannot recall my true age anymore.
"When you do get back to your normal age...what will become of me? The enchantment on you had preserved me, and with it gone...will I be a withered husk by the time you grow?
"Can there truly be a future between you and I? I won't say I'll wait for you. I will let you experience life the way you were meant to. Should it come to it you that and I are meant to be, as I had hoped we could have then...
"I want you to be ready, and I want you to make your choice of your own volition without outside interference.
"Live, love, and stay true to yourself. Sweet Ainosuke...I pray you will always keep that innocence this time."
"There might be a way to make something come true," a darken voice was heard.
Haruto walks in with Reiji and Natsuhisa as Tadashi replied, "Why are you here? Aren't you at the banquet?"
"We don't always eat normal foods...then again what is normal," Haruto crossed his arms.
"That's not the point, though," Natsuhisa dismissed that.
"As we said, there could very well be a way," Reiji added.
"What are you talking about?" Tadashi asked.
"You can stop aging further...or slow it down to nearly a larger percentage compared to the average human lifespan," Haruto offered.
"I don't..." Tadashi was about to make his usual response when…
"We're giving you a chance," Natsuhisa cut the phrase off.
"We don't have a Chiropteran King to follow anymore...Rasputin fulfilled his mission. But with you to join us, perhaps we may have a new mission to follow," Haruto said.
"We won't force you, of course. This is something you must decide on your own. You know, make your own opinion for once," Reiji offered.
Iwamara
Back at Kuroo and Kenma's, the former was busy cooking on the stove as the latter was bringing in the usual mail from outside.
"Foul, accursed death orb in the sky. Why, oh why, must you be so bright?" Kenma muttered his sarcasm.
"You only go to the front of the house," Kuroo looks at him.
"Too much effort. Too much exposure," the black-yellow ombre haired man rolled his eyes.
"Okay Haruka," Kuroo replies as Kenma sticks out his tongue.
"Yeah, yeah, love you too. Better watch that tongue of yours..." Kuroo continued.
"Or what?" he winks and rubs hand down his back.
"That fleshy joystick of yours will enjoy a bit of tongue later if you keep it up," Kuroo answered after turning off the stove.
"Oh jeez, you're in heat again. How many times this month has been now, kitty cat?" Kenma asked.
"Kitty cat, huh? Have you forgot what team you used to be on?" Kuroo reminded him of the Nekoma team in Sportsbrooke.
"And what team I'm currently on?" he asked.
A moment of silence occurred. Finally Kenma replies, "Oh, yeah. I almost forget. Mail call. Usual junk crap, too."
He tosses the mail onto the table while Kuroo was about to prepare the stew on the table. Kenma is about to leave, when he notices one of the envelopes on the table look out of place in comparison to the others.
For one, it has his name on it. With a hint of curiosity, Kenma grabs the letter and carefully proceeds to tear open the envelope.
Finally he opens the contents to see the following letter and the goodies within:
Kenma, I can't believe I'm actually reaching out to you like this. So archaic, but I figured it'd be the best way to send this.
When you first reached out to me, I didn't think you'd be the first step toward the solution to our problem. I honestly thought you were trying to dive deeper into censored media that Aeuropa was banning for your channel. More views and all that jazz. Little did I realize, you used that, not only to help liberate a forgotten nation, but you were able to utilize it to bring us out of our shells.
Before, we the skaters of S were used to meeting under the cover of night to avoid legal issues. You introducing us to the Suiei Guardians gave us the confidence we needed to return to the light. Not just the skaters, but the people, too. Aeuropa, or Neo-Sportsbrooke, has been livelier than it ever has been.
Who knows what could have happened if I hadn't asked you for help.
Despite all this, we're rediscovering our happiness, our hopes, and people are finding dreams once more. From skating, to swimming, to even your volleyball, we're soaring higher than we ever could have.
As thanks for your contribution, consider this a gift.
Kenma looks into the envelope to find a personal calligraphy card from Kaoru, one of his business cards, and what appears to be a replica of an S pin, with some alterations.
I think you have another subscriber to your channel. Wouldn't the world be surprised to know how you helped?
Don't be a stranger. And don't be afraid to step out into the sunlight every now and again.
Sincerely, Kaoru Sakurayashiki. Cherry Blossom. Maybe Lucifer? Your call.
The last part of the letter was followed by a hand painted kanji symbol for "My thanks"
Kenma smiles after reading this as his mood has shifted, "You know...Kuroo? Let's take this outside. I think me and Mr. Sunshine need to be reacquainted. Couldn't hurt to move my legs some more.
Kuroo grins as they moved their place sets and the food and drinks to the back patio.
Mini-Timeskip, 1 Month Later
With the strange happenings on Terabithia, the Magic Six along with Kyle returned to Duniya while Anastasia stayed behind to continue her studies and swimming. From there, the new swim jacket design was finally in the works.
The Iwasame, Takagami and the High Speed! senshi were in the crowd as well as other new swimmers of all ages. There were also a handful of Iwamara civilians and a few of the Mullerians who were also taking a keen interest in swimming.
Finally, Alex steps out with the new jacket and makes the catwalk across the platform. The audience gasped in applause to see the designs so intricate and detailed. Haruka, Rin and Makoto smiled as Ikuya, Hiyori, and Kaede's jaw dropped a little. Natsuya, Nao, Rei, Nagisa, and Asahi were in awe of this as the megane shifted up his glasses.
Alex twirls to reveal the back side with all the animals, the jacket shows the main animals along with the Dragon and Phoenix in the center. It was all in a rainbow hue.
The pants show the remaining animals and other symbols from the Takagami senshi.
"Waah! Lookit!" Momotaoru gasped as Ai had a silent tear of joy.
"It's amazing…" Shin breathed as Tsubasa and Kotarou smiled upon the designs.
"Looking good there," Sousuke answered while Isana sniffled before being thrown into Hikaru's arms with feels.
"We are all officially together at last," Seijuurou added.
"And the team that we've finally become," Gou added.
"Sandro…" Kyle applauded upon this, "Quite an amazing ensemble. I'm glad I was here to witness its unveiling."
"No regrets. This is our unification as Iwatobi, Samezuka, Hidaka, Shimogami, and anyone else who joins us. Swimming Guardians or Regular Swimmers..." Alex spoke on the podium.
"It's incredible...all of it," Hiyori said.
"And who better to debut it? How does it feel?" Rei muttered happily as he turned to Nagisa.
Moments later, Rei starts to gasp violently loud as his breaths were nearly choked. Everyone turned to see the megane rolling down on his body as if he was being brutally killed.
"REI-CHAN!?" Nagisa shouted to his terror.
"REI!?" Makoto cried out.
Moments later, all their crystals appeared in front of them.
"W-What the?!" Tsubasa gasped.
"What in hell is happening?!" Sei growled.
"Rei, hang on!" Haruka shouted.
JINGLE-JINGLE
JINGLE-JINGLE
"M-My head…i-it hurts!" Rei cried out, between breaths, "T-The Bell! I heard it! I-I think something happened in Articora!"
Taiao
Articora!Rei sat alone in his usual deep meditation, trying to locate the anomalies in the space-time. He felt an unusual radiation coming from Arizona and sent word from his spirit beasts to the Guardian's Quail while sending Ryuji and Mikhail on this bizarre quest.
While there was no word yet from them, the days went on with more uncertainty. Then more recently, he lost track of Artemis who disappeared too deep into the space-time one day after speaking of a bizarre dream that drew his attention away from here and Articora.
"Artemis…please…get back here…safely," Articora!Rei breathed.
Moments later, the Chaomos Crystal seemingly appears to him. The megane gasped and tried to touch it but it disappeared again before it reappeared, and it was looking…darker than usual.
"Artemis…no…it can't be! The balance of light and dark has shifted!" he gasped.
Footsteps were finally heard as he turned to see Artemis finally but his eyes grayed out a moment, looking lifeless. Rei approaches to him but was suddenly grabbed by the neck as Artemis' darken facial expression revealed itself.
"Is that the only power in the crystal?" Artemis spoke darkly.
"W-what?!" Rei struggled to breathe his answer.
"You…are the bridge between me and my…twin, yes?" Artemis asked, taking a look at Rei's eyes, "Those eyes…are the source of your power. If I am going to return all that exists to Planck…I will have to take that from you."
Moments later, the Iwasame Senshi (excluding Original!Rei), Tsubasa and Seijuurou arrived on scene but were in to their horror before their eyes. Artemis's eyes was now heterochromatic while Articora!Rei was in comatose in a limp-like state. The spot of his left eye was now nothing but blood as he munched on it.
"H-His eye…it's…Rei's?!" Makoto gasped.
Artemis takes his fingers to start to grab at the right eye of the megane. Nagisa cried out and grabbed Artemis by the arm.
"Y-YOU ATE HIS EYE!? W-WHAT'S HAPPENED TO YOU!?" Nagisa shouted.
Artemis turned to him before kicking him in the abdomen, pushing him across the landscape and adding, "And I will take the other eye as well."
"LET, HIM, GO!" Rin growled.
Artemis leans his head down towards Rei's anatomical right eye, opening his mouth.
"STOP IT!" Seijuurou shouted as he and Tsubasa unleashed their attacks, but it only irritated him.
Artemis turned to them with a tilt of his head before dark magic exploded, creating endless hands to hold all the senshi grounded in place laced with electrical energy to prevent them from resisting.
"WHAT…HAVE YOU…DONE?!" Original!Alex shouted as he grunted between breaths.
"I tried to warn you…Swimming Guardians…Darkness calls for Light…" Suiei Chaos spoke through Artemis' mouth, "As for who we are…we are the allegiant twins…Artemis…and Apollo…Cosmos…and Chaos…"
Book 4: Return of the Magic Six – END –
To Be Continued:
Book 5: Lineage of the Elements
Synopsis Side – Free!
In addition to the betrayal and awakening of Suiei Chaos, an unexpected arrival of varying elemental powers draws the Swimming Guardians into a strange battle. However, a new secret of Terabithia will shock the inhabitants on its close connection to another realm.
Synopsis Side - BIONICLE (Continuing from Brotherhood of the Elements Book 4)
The Six of Seven Element Lords return to a very dark, twisted, and confusing Spheus Magna but thanks to the outfits from Merlin, they are immune to most effects. Back on Earth, Dante joins Duncan, Gelu, Taranuka, and others to finish the remaining fragments of the Time Paradox. The Reign of Mother Nature terrorizes both realms as both good and evil are further twisted by fate.
